Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

It is a standard design element to bring the outdoors in, but what about bringing the indoors out? In a state with plentiful sunshine and purple mountain majesties, an outdoor living space has become must-have in Colorado living. From full kitchens and weatherproof furniture to pergolas and fire pits, the options are endless when creating an outdoor space.

A key aspect of any outdoor living area is usability, and most homeowners investing in this type of space want to use it as many months out of the year as possible.
Scott Hamling, a real estate appraiser and Denver-area native, began his outdoor project last year and says it has been worth every hour of work and every penny spent. “This space is an extension of our home,” Hamling says. “We use it every day of the year. Just because it’s snowing outside doesn’t mean you have to stay inside.”

The ideas for the outdoor living area began when the Hamlings bought their 1902 farmhouse in the neighborhood Scott grew up. Sitting on a 17,000-square-foot lot, the house had an abundance of potential with lots of room to be creative.

“The house was previously owned by friends of my family and we jumped at the chance to buy in this neighborhood,” Hamling says. “And since we entertain quite a bit, the lot was the perfect size to fit our needs.”

The space was designed with three areas in mind – the living area, the dining area and the garden. The living and dining “rooms” are situated on each side of a two-sided fireplace, creating the perfect ambience for a sophisticated dinner party or an evening at home with the kids.

For entertaining friends and family, Scott and his wife, Kirsten, designed an in-place, concrete table that seats up to 12 guests and has a stainless steel trough down the center for candles, ice or drinks.

But this dining area is not just for summer barbeques. In the winter, the Hamlings put up a tent that surrounds the room and encloses the fireplace for festive gatherings during the holidays.

“The idea of using a tent came to us when we were planning a large Christmas party,” Hamling explains. “When we entertain, we like to make our guests feel special and incredibly welcomed. I think we accomplished that with the tent because everyone was so surprised when we went outside to our own little venue.”

The outdoor living space wouldn’t be complete for the Hamlings without a beautiful garden to enjoy throughout the year, and for a project of this magnitude, they knew they needed to call in a professional. With the help of landscape architect Wendy Booth, of the Ivy Street Design Group in Denver, the garden became one of the most important elements of the overall design.

“With this project, we wanted to create interest throughout the seasons,” Booth says. “And with Scott and Kirsten’s love of entertaining, it was important to plan a garden that would be beautiful and visually pleasing all year.”

The garden is an element of the design that not only provides beauty every day of the year, but also provides privacy for the Hamlings. Lined with trees on two sides, the garden includes a fish pond and water feature, as well as a nearby seating area.

Booth, who won an Award of Excellence from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) for this design, was recommended to the Hamlings through family friend and landscape contractor Paul Tighe. Through Booth’s design, Tighe built a spectacular fireplace, brick patio and concrete table.

Hamling says that when working with any professional, it is important to communicate throughout the entire process. “Paul, Wendy and I worked very closely together on this project,” Hamling says. “We listened to each other, tossed around ideas and were able to easily adapt to any obstacles thrown in our path.”

As with any major home improvement, consideration must be given to the primary reasons for remodeling the space. For many, the improvement provides a place to spend more time with family or to entertain guests. For others, it is a place to unwind in the peace and tranquility of Colorado’s fresh air after a long day. For the Hamlings, it is an extension of their home.

“This is our last home, the place we want to be for the next 30 to 40 years,” Hamling says. “This project made our house a perfect home.”

Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.

Photos provided by Ivy Street Design Group in Denver.

Posted on 07 March 2009

Look at home renovation as an equation. Not a simple geometric equation or addition equation, but something more akin to what you might find on a college algebra final exam.

Many variables need to be considered when remodeling: the budget, contractors, existing space, timeline, city inspectors, appliances, interior designers, homeowners associations, local ordinances and pre-existing structural integrity to name a few. These variables then need to equal a final product that closely resembles what the residents originally envisioned.

This clichéd metaphor is not meant to detour those who fumble around with math from improving their home, but rather to encourage those who want to improve their home to speak with an architect before beginning a new project.

“The architect pulls together all of the needs and desires of the homeowner to create the home that works for them,” explains Anne Olson, A.I.A., president of Olson Architecture Inc.

In 2006 Anne began working with the Edwards family of Boulder to recreate the home that would work for them. The project would eventually win an award for the “whole house-luxury remodel” category in the 2008 Colorado Awards for Remodeling Excellence, sponsored by the Remodelors Council of Metro Denver. The Edwards’ home presented similar challenges that many other homeowners may have to face one day.

“The Edwards are a baby boomer couple, with a college age son and a mother who might need a place to live,” Olson points out. “The home was designed for this stage of their life.”

First and foremost, the family needed more space in their 824-square-foot historic bungalow to make cohabitation more manageable. Olson began drawing up plans to add onto the existing structure.

“You have to see the house and listen to the clients,” Olson says. “Figure out what their situation is and what they want with the house.”

The Edwards’ dream renovation included a second floor master suite with a scenic overview of Mount Salinas, a home office, an improved living room situation that would be more suitable for entertaining, a main level suite for their mother, and a bottom level apartment for their son. But in order to get the addition approved by the city landmark board, some concessions had to be made by Olson and her firm.

“We had to completely change our original concept to conform with the request of the landmarks board,” said Olson. “Our original desire was to maintain all of the exterior stone walls and add a second floor.”

The city landmark board requested that the historical integrity be preserved. The Edwards wanted to respect the board’s wishes and asked the architecture firm to go back to the original drawings and modify them accordingly.

Now more than ever, municipalities, neighbors and homeowners associations are playing a bigger role in the decision as to what kind of a renovation will be built. With so much power over the renovation outside of the homeowner’s grasp, the architect has to compensate by knowing all of the rules and building codes to find a plan that will work for everyone.

With considerable neighborhood acclaim, Olson’s revision was a success. The addition was built on the lot behind the family’s bungalow. Exterior materials, which matched the existing home, were added to the new section to secure a cohesive appearance between old and new. Most of the original roof, back wall and entrance remained untouched.

The bungalow that was once 824 square feet is now 3,455 square feet; perfect to accommodate the entire family.

“The new floor plan perfectly meshed with the lifestyle needs of a boomer family in 2008,” Olson explains.

The Newlands Neighborhood in Boulder, where the project was completed, is an area that often faces resistance to remodeling because the residents like to keep the historical motif intact. Olson and her team were able to recognize this. By keeping an eye on the big picture and working closely with their clients, they were able to find a solution that suited everyone.

Casey Cisneros is a Loveland-based freelance writer.

Posted on 07 March 2009

As more people make the decision to stay in their homes rather than trying to jump into the ailing new housing market, exterior improvements are rising to the top for consideration. And if the decision is made to stay in one’s home for more than five years, the siding should be updated, and insulation should be added.

Such was the case of the home near Franktown shown in this Before and After feature.

The old pine siding on the home had been weather damaged and pocked by woodpeckers, making the home look dated, said Tom Higgins of Superior Products. In addition, the decking and rail system was in bad shape, creating safety concerns for the homeowners.

Superior Products replaced the siding with textured fiber cement over insulation, Higgins said. The company also custom matched paint to the roof, stone work and landscape. The decking was repaired in order to meet local codes and it was improved with composite decking materials.

The siding project not only brings more curb appeal to the property, but it also helps seal the house against the winter winds and low temperatures that will soon visit the Front Range. “This is the time to add insulation,” Higgins points out, adding that 90 percent of his customers add insulation when they upgrade to fiber cement siding. With heating bills reaching all-time highs, insulation is a must for every home.

Higgins said that Remodeling Magazine listed new siding as the number one return on investment when remodeling a home. “It’s tied to property valuation,” he said. Many homebuyers also list the siding or exterior walls as one of the most important items when they are shopping because it helps create curb appeal. Whether we like it or not, it’s human nature to judge a book by its cover.

Every exterior project has a few dos and don’ts, Higgins said. For example, he suggests never skimping when it comes to paint and caulking. Like caulking, quality paint (he uses Sherwin-Williams) will be pliable. Because all Colorado residences experience freeze/thaw, extreme temperature fluctuations and intense ultraviolet rays, flexibility is important. “If you have good paint and bad caulk, one will move and the other won’t,” Higgins said.

Another suggestion is to choose the appropriate siding for your home and neighborhood. As a rough barometer, Higgins said homes at a lower price point often look fine with vinyl siding, whereas pricier homes look better with cement fiber.

Finally, make sure to hire a contractor who is sensitive to the needs of the family and pets during a project, as well as the property, which should be kept orderly throughout construction. Also, make certain the contractor understands how important it is that homeowners have choices when it comes to exterior repairs. From soffets and paints to the insulation and decorative final touches, everyone needs choices.

Posted on 11 November 2008

Congress has discussed banning incandescent light bulbs by 2014. While the discussion is focused on incandescent reflector lamps, it is still spurring many manufacturers and customers to switch to the newest and most energy-efficient lighting technologies. From LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to the newest in lighting controls, options abound for a homeowner’s indoor and outdoor lighting needs.

Dan McCord of Colorado Concept Lighting knows that affordability is a customer’s biggest concern when switching to new technology.

“Technology is changing so quickly that it is difficult to budget for the newest in green products,” said McCord. “The newest technology, such as LED, is by far the most sought after, but it is usually the first to be crossed off the wish list.”

McCord added that while some eco-conscious products may be pricey, the product’s life span is far longer than the traditional incandescent bulb. Jeff Leese of Foothills Lighting & Supply agrees.

“LED is really expensive right now, but as with all things, the price will come down eventually,” Leese said. “For the time being, compact fluorescent (CFL) is a good way to go. It is a stop-over on the way to LED.”

Most homeowners are still drawn to incandescent lighting, some because it is aesthetically pleasing and others because of the warmth it creates. Leese tries to show his customers alternatives to incandescent lighting and the benefits these options can bring to a home.

“My recommendation for new lighting projects at this point would be Xenon,” Leese said. “This option is the closest in color and warmth to that of regular incandescent lighting, a personal favorite of homeowners. It is also less expensive than LED.”

Leese believes that LED lighting is good for commercial properties, but it has yet to become commonplace in homes. “LED is great for retail stores. Engineers have created strips of LED lights for underneath cabinets and shelves that are about an eighth of an inch thick,” Leese said. “This makes them virtually invisible. The only problem for using this option in a home is that the light is still not as warm as incandescent lighting.”

McCord recommends using LED for landscape lighting around the home. “To replicate the light of the moon, you don’t need much,” McCord said. “LED is a good quality lighting solution for a good value.”

While LED technology is expensive, McCord argues that it is worth the money. LED lighting has up to 50,000 hours of life and produces more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. LED is also a good choice for frequent on-off cycles, such as outdoor timed lighting.

Leese has a different suggestion for those homeowners looking for a cheaper outdoor alternative – compact fluorescent. One downside to CFLs is that without proper installation the bulbs may not light in cold weather.

“With this type of bulb, it is best to create a microenvironment by using a translucent lighting fixture,” Leese explains. “This will allow heat from the bulb to circulate within the fixture, making it easier for the bulb to light in very cold weather.”

In addition to being energy efficient, the CFLs can also be used in many styles of fixtures. Fluorescent lighting doesn’t have to look fluorescent if it’s enclosed in an amber-colored glass fixture.

However, using CFLs for indoor lighting is not always the best choice, McCord points out.

“People don’t realize that fluorescent lights emit UV rays,” McCord said. “They put fluorescent lighting in their closets and wonder why their clothes have faded. This is a case where incandescent, Xenon or LED lighting would be a better choice.”

Manufacturers are picking up on the “green” trend, pouring money into research and development to find solutions that are energy efficient and still eye-catching. Another energy-efficient route to consider is lighting controls, such as dimmers and light outputs.

“Homeowners want to be green and they want to save on their energy bills,” McCord said. “With lighting controls, homeowners can regulate the output of light so slightly that the naked eye can’t even tell the difference. The only difference they’ll see is a drop in their energy bill.”

Numerous options should be considered when beginning a lighting project, but the most important aspect is to choose an option that fits your needs and lifestyle. “Lighting should always accommodate you – not the other way around. It should show off your home,” Leese explains.

Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.

Photo by Ron Ruscio for Colorado Concept Lighting

Posted on 11 November 2008

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 11 November 2008

While the modern home has all of the standard amenities, most have features that were only daydreams just a decade ago.

High-tech entertainment rooms and home offices have become the norm in many newer or recently remodeled homes. And why not?

With gas prices and time at a premium, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of utilizing the home?

The Office Space

When it comes to home offices, “Everybody needs one,” says Maureen McGuire, who is secretary of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In fact, families are finding that they need two and many homes end up with his and hers.

As might be expected, the predominant money-maker often has a larger, more developed space, says McGuire, who owns Maureen McGuire Interiors, LLC, in Highlands Ranch.

At a minimum, McGuire says homes have a command center or communication area in which calendars keep important dates. A phone and message board are part of the center, as is space for favorite photos or school papers in some cases.

Today’s larger home offices often have built-in cabinets and book shelves. The desk might be part of a larger, permanent unit that includes file storage.

McGuire worked on a Denver-area project that included a mini-bar, television and fireplace. The room was built adjacent to the family room so mom could keep one eye on the kids and one eye on the job. Balancing career and family is still an issue, but it’s made easier by working at home.

Client comfort also is important, McGuire notes, adding that the drive toward luxurious home offices has shifted into high gear in the past three years or so. “People really want efficiency, she points out. “They want the space to work hard for them and to make sure there is time savings.”

McGuire says wireless technology and the simplicity of email and Internet interaction have allowed people to work at home without missing a beat. The time saved by not commuting also can be used to be productive. And if the water-cooler chatter is missed, turn on the computer camera and go face-to-face with co-workers when necessary.

“The home office is something that people are putting a lot more money into,” she says.

Entertainment today
Home theater is as popular as ever, but McGuire says it is moving away from the isolated, darkened-room experience to the open-ended entertainment area that everyone can enjoy, even if they are not interested in a movie.

Theater, games, wet bar and dining tables provide expanded fun for all ages. The audio and visual experience remains, but there are more entertainment options.

McGuire says the closed-door theaters kept people from interacting, which wasn’t part of an enjoyable family experience. “People are looking for something that is centrally located with all of the bells and whistles,” she says. “It can be state of the art but it’s more open to other functions. It’s a multi-functional space.”

In the past few years, the Home Builders Association’s Parade of Homes has featured fewer separate home theaters. “You don’t want to isolate people, McGuire says.

New entertainment rooms include large TVs and all of the high-tech components, she says, but a pool table or card table might be adjacent, along with a wet bar where everyone can grab a drink.

After a long day at the home office, it’s great to gather with family to watch a movie or play a game, especially when the car hasn’t even left the garage.

Doug Walter Architects included a study in this award-winning Denver-area remodel
Photo provided by Doug Walter Architects

Posted on 29 September 2008

Give me one more chance and I’ll do it right. Who hasn’t uttered these words at some point in life?

Brian Rawlings of Classy Closets said many of his clients promise to do it right the second time around as it relates to their bedroom closets.

For those building new homes, it’s a no-brainer. Master closets with plenty of space are routinely installed and most have space for two people. It’s about size and accessories, he explained.

However, for those in older or smaller homes who hope to remodel with more closet space, Rawlings said it becomes a little trickier.

For empty nesters, it might be beneficial to rearrange walls so that space from an adjacent bedroom can be used for a closet in the master bedroom. Some people simply have no space left, but most are able to improve their space with the help of a professional.

When space is not an issue, the “working closet” is better than lemonade on a hot day. It’s a walk-in closet that provides plenty of space to store all of one’s clothes and to get dressed. With adequate legroom, an island might be included to sit on while dressing or putting on shoes. “We’ve taken the closet from a room that you normally don’t take anybody into, and now you want to show people,” he said.

Rawlings, who owns the Classy Closets franchises in Highlands Ranch and Colorado Springs, said working closets have become the norm in newer homes. They might include cherry wood or other dark shades, along with oil-brushed bronze or brushed-chrome handles or knobs. He said closets often follow in the footsteps of the kitchen, citing the soft-touch drawer as an example. It will close itself when it’s within an inch of being shut.

Lighting is another area that has come a long way. With LED lighting, it’s easy to illuminate the closet in any number of ways. And, the energy consumption is less than ever.

In older homes with less square footage overall, there are a few more challenges. To get started, Rawlings said he measures the space and determines the amount of clothes the client has. Then he can determine if the client’s expectations can be met.

When remodeling older closets for people who need more space, Rawlings said it’s not a deal-breaker if the closet is narrow. Those built with one rod and just one overhead shelf can easily be transformed into a two-rod set up with five shelves. The basic set up only costs about $350, Rawlings said, and the homeowner ends up with more space for shoes and shirts. At times, he is unable to help people who have already maxed out their space with multiple rods and shelves. “I lose some business,” he admitted, but said it’s better to be honest and move on to the next job, where he can make a difference.

Because tall ceilings have made a comeback in recent years, an additional rod can be installed above eye level that is easily accessed with a pull-down system that operates on a pneumatic cylinder.

When remodeling, it’s particularly important to make sure the improvements match the rest of the house when the job is completed. For some people, matching the new closet doors to the bedroom or bathroom door is important. Rawlings said there are always ways to match up stains, woods and veneers to meet the need.

And then there are extreme makeovers, even in the world of closets. Rawlings mentioned a closet that a woman had installed in her Denver condominium that topped out at $30,000. Yes, that extreme is going to include all of the expensive woods and fancy accessories: “Nationally, the closet business is over a billion dollars,” Rawlings said.

More often, Rawlings said people will spend $4,000 to $10,000 on a closet that will provide enough space in some cases to eliminate the need for dressers in the bedroom. “They may have a table in the bedroom, but they want everything in their closet and they want their clothes and shoes neatly organized,” he said.

Photo provided by Classy Closets

Posted on 18 September 2008

Once upon a time, in order to feel luxurious in a bathroom one would simply light some candles and settle into the bath with a good book. Oh, how the times have changed. In today’s world, luxury is expected in contemporary bathrooms. From flat screen televisions set behind mirrors to warming drawers for towels, the pampering possibilities are endless. And as modern bathrooms continue to emulate luxurious spas, the growing trend is to go green.

Energy and water savings are paramount in today’s luxury bathrooms, as the world concerns itself with the environment much more so than in years past. Bathrooms are the biggest user of water in the entire house, so any reduction helps. Modern toilets use less water per flush, shower heads mix air bubbles into the water stream to reduce water flow, and tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly commonplace, saving both energy and water. For obvious reasons, the trend toward the green side is here to stay, and manufacturers of bathroom fixtures are producing more products that reflect this change in ideology.

While the trend is apparent to most, what exactly is spurring this evolution to spa-like bathrooms? Only a few decades ago, bathrooms were as small as closets and only served a functional purpose. Now, bathrooms are tripling and quadrupling in size in order to include the myriad luxurious amenities. According to Eric Balstad, a certified kitchen designer with Parrish Construction, a cultural shift in America is inspiring this movement toward extravagance in the bathroom. “Women are driving this, because they enjoy the spa-like experience more than men. Today there are more working women with more money than in years past. Guys just spend 20 minutes, do their business, and they’re out. Women want to be pampered and have more time to themselves.”

Though women may be the motivating force behind this trend, men certainly can’t complain because they are reaping the benefits as well. What guy wouldn’t enjoy watching the Rockies beat the D-Backs on a flat screen television hidden behind a mirror? Or, who wouldn’t appreciate LED lights hidden inside the floor tile? As one heads to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the soft lights come on to illuminate the path. And is there anybody who wouldn’t enjoy having a heated towel waiting as they step out of the shower onto their hydronically heated tile?

Perhaps the best thing about updating the bathroom to more closely resemble a spa is that in doing so, it is possible to help the environment, in addition to making the bathroom experience more hygienic as a whole. A Rinnai Tankless Water Heater will deliver hot water to fixtures twice as fast as old water tanks, saving time, energy and water.

The Hansgrohe company is introducing touchless technology into the home, allowing users to turn on water from a faucet simply by placing their hands under the spout, thus making the bathroom more hygienic by reducing potential contact with nasty germs. Not to mention, as Balstad states, “it just looks cool.”

Speaking of new showers, one of the coolest features available today are rain heads coupled with body sprays. Lefty Longa, general manager of Hutter Wholesale, terms this “the full-body car wash.”  This technology makes for a completely unique shower experience with streams of water coming from all directions using multiple jets and heads. A Kohler Digital Programmable Water Controller only enhances the experience by controlling the temperature and intensity of each individual showerhead with a master panel that is programmable to fit each user’s desired specifications. As Longa points out, why not turn the bathroom “into a spa experience?”

The popularity of greener and more luxurious bathrooms is chiefly inspired by Japanese design and technology, according to Balstad. While remote-controlled toilets that talk to their “masters” have yet to make a splash in the U.S., many other aspects of the Japanese bathroom are showing up in American bathrooms. One such example is Toto’s Aquia Dual Flush Toilet. When the user selects No. 1, the toilet will flush using only 0.9 gallons of water. When the No. 2 function is selected, the toilet flushes with 1.6 gallons of water.

As Balstad states, “personal hygiene is taken more seriously in Japan, and is now catching on the United States.”   Another Japanese feature that is destined to balloon in popularity in the U.S. is a new, powerful, touchless hand dryer that dries hands in seconds. Thomas Perito, manager of Dream Home Designs in Denver, said his is “the only showroom in the United States to feature the Japanese Toto hand dryer.” The showroom features other fixtures and innovative products that would freshen up any design.

When it comes to the bathroom, there are limitless options that one can incorporate when remodeling. Doing so with an eye toward saving some of Colorado’s limited water resources and energy supplies is a great way to save some green while greening the bathroom.

Mitch Chrismer is a Denver-based freelance writer.

Photo provided by Kohler Co.

Posted on 18 September 2008

What happens when a homeowner with a sense of adventure meshes with a remodeling firm that regularly turns adventure into reality?

You get a flashy, fun and functional basement.

Finished Basement Company proved once again that it has the expertise to win over the hearts of homeowners as well as judges who choose award-winning projects in the Denver area. Finished Basement Company owner Patrick Condon said a Centennial homeowner’s somewhat unusual request for a safari-themed basement led everyone on a bit of an adventure. “It was a fun project,” Condon notes. “And the clients were wonderful. They were a lot of fun.”
Read the full story

Posted on 14 May 2008

Ultimately, a home serves one underlying purpose: to provide shelter. If that were all we wanted homes to do — protect us from the elements — we would all live underground or in concrete bunkers. However, our insistence on “luxuries” like sunlight, fresh air and easy access to the outdoors complicates home design, necessitating more creative barriers like windows and doors. Their function makes them the weak points in the battle to stay warm and dry.

These days, simply staying out of the wind and rain isn’t enough. We expect to do so without also getting soaked by the utility company. Combine rising oil prices with a growing awareness of the consequences of indiscriminate energy consumption, and all of a sudden the term “green building” appears in every contractor’s brochure. The goal of an energy efficient window is to minimize its inherent insulation weaknesses and in some cases transform them into strengths that can actually improve your home’s energy efficiency, which is why you should take exceptional care when choosing the next set.

Coloradans ask a lot of our windows. Let in light, but not the ultraviolet rays. Open easily, but keep the warm air inside and the wind at bay. Furthermore, do it all with materials that will last for decades despite exposure to a uniquely harsh environment. “Our state’s climate is challenging for windows,” says Brett Ortengren, General Manager for Renewal by Anderson’s Denver and Colorado Springs locations. “While other states might have 20 or 25 degree swings, here in Colorado we see surfaces that warm or cool as much as 50 degrees inside of 24 hours, usually accompanied by a huge amount of UV radiation.” Those warm spring mornings that melt away the evening snowfall are invigorating for people, but they are brutal on traditional building materials like metal, vinyl and wood.

This is why Renewal by Anderson uses a composite thermal plastic blended with wood fibers for its window frames and sashes. The Fibrex material resists the expansion and contraction of vinyl, doesn’t need a waterproof layer of paint like wood, and doesn’t conduct heat like aluminum. But green building should also mean working with renewable products, right? How does thermal plastic fit that requirement? It doesn’t, but the company has streamlined its manufacturing process to the point that it recycles nearly all of its scraps back into raw material. Less waste at the plant means lower costs for the company and ultimately, the homeowner as well.

Synthetic materials are improving more than just the frames. While you won’t find anything replacing old-fashioned glass anytime soon, companies have found ways of enhancing it. Accent Windows, a 26 year-old Westminster company, offers “Heat Mirror” technology in its windows. The company coats a clear film with a microscopic ceramic layer and places it between dual panes of glass. Dividing the air chamber improves the window’s insulating properties without the weight and cost of a third pane. Combine the Heat Mirror with argon gas that fills the spaces between the panes and the window’s R-value, a measure of its insulating capability, skyrockets.

Yet even the best-designed window won’t help keep your house warm if it isn’t installed properly. Professional installation ensures that edges seal tight, sashes move smoothly and, depending on the season, the warm air and the cold air stay wherever you would prefer. One technique does not fit all: the installation process will depend on your home’s wall material. Nearly all high-end window companies include installation in the purchase price.

Despite the overwhelming buzz, green building and green remodeling aren’t just the latest trends, they are an investment in your home and in your community. Styles may change, but a house that holds heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer is always in demand. The more gas and electricity costs increase, the faster you’ll recover whatever additional expense you incurred by going green in the first place. And even if you could afford to run the heat or air conditioner full blast, would you want to?

Posted on 02 May 2008